Sandara Park marks 2NE1's 12th anniversary with statement on her departure from YG Entertainment

Sandara Park marked 2NE1's 12th anniversary with a statement on her departure from YG Entertainment, her agency for 17 years.

On Instagram, Monday, Sandara shared a throwback photo of herself, followed by a message which she generously provided with an English translation for her fans.

According to Sandara, her heart is "very heavy" to leave YG Entertainment which she considers her "family, caregiver, home, rock and everything."

"I fell in love with the hip seniors here and grew along with the company for 17 years with the belief that I could become not only a colleague but also a real family member," she wrote.

"Those years have been like a dream, filled with immeasurable memories and stage performances with my crew that blew people away," she added.

The Korean idol said that she felt everything fall apart when 2NE1 disbanded in 2016 but is happy that she eventually got back on her feet.

"For the next five years, I challenged myself in various genres with the mindset that I was starting all over again!" she said.

"Those five years became a great asset to me and gifted me with the positive image I have now. My heart's greatest desire has always been being on stage."

According to Sandara, performing is her way of repaying 2NE1's fans, the Blackjacks, whose support and love never faltered.

"It is with excitement that I look ahead to the next act in my life which could be my biggest challenge yet as I leave my nest," she said.

"Goodbyes are always the hardest to do but I take a deep breath and take a big step closer to my dream and the people who have stood by me, waiting for me to take that step."

Of course, she did not forget to mention Park Bom, CL, and Minzy, whom she misses "dearly" after being with them since 2NE1's debut in 2009.

"I hope to keep seeing you pursue diverse activities and pray that we will be together as one in person or together in spirit someday," she said. "Happy 12th anniversary, 2NE1!"

Sandara was born in South Korea but moved to the Philippines during her teen years. She rose to fame and became a celebrity after winning a talent search show.

She later returned to South Korea and had been with YG Entertainment since 2004.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News